Some of the most impressive photographs I have ever seen are of people dressed in elaborate outfits and costumes they created to embody characters of fantasy and wonder. I wanted to capture that same sense of fantasy and wonder in my own series of images for my portfolio. My inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for Renaissance faires and cosplay. I aimed to capture the unique aesthetic of each of my subjects by placing them in a location which felt most appropriate for their “character.” For example, for models dressed as dark demons, a cemetery provided the ideal atmosphere to inhabit their characters. By placing these fictional archetypes in real-world locations, I allowed their stories to come to life through the lens, thereby achieving a sense of fantasy or otherworldliness without feeling disconnected from reality. The development of this project required extensive research and preparation before a single photograph was taken. I began by selecting models who were comfortable in front of the camera. To ensure a diverse range of character profiles, I contacted over a dozen friends who graciously contributed their time and high-quality craftsmanship to the project. They also had to be capable of allowing their character to come to life when in the appropriate setting. Therefore, the process also involved significant location scouting; I visited over a dozen sites, ranging from Joliet to Harvard, Illinois. Once locations were secured, I matched each subject to a specific environment and coordinated schedules around the weather. By scheduling a photoshoot almost every week over the course of two months, I was able to compile the portfolio you see before you. Using a digital mirrorless camera system allowed me to ensure high-fidelity color and the technical flexibility required for such a diverse and vibrant series. Ultimately, my goal is to create artwork within the cosplay community that honors their creativity and storytelling. I love their vibrant personalities and exciting stories about how they created their specific outfits. I want my subjects to feel their characters come to life through the lens and I am simply telling their stories to a wider audience through my artwork. It is important to me that the models feel validated; many spend countless hours and significant financial resources creating their specific cosplay persona that they want to show the world. It therefore becomes my duty to present their outfit in the best light to a large audience. Most importantly, I want my audience to understand how passionate these individuals are about cosplay and how much they love what they do. They dress in these elaborate outfits and, for just a few brief hours, they step into another reality to take on a different persona and become someone else entirely. I aim to convey that new persona, and their passion, through my artwork.